
Custom Winchester 1895 Lee Navy 7x57mm Mauser Straight Pull Bolt Rifle, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,775
WOA#: WY240315JV002
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1895 Lee Sporter
Serial Number: 14937
Year of Manufacture: 1908
Caliber: 7x57mm Mauser
Action Type: Straight Pull Bolt Action, Fixed Magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A. PAT. OCT.10.93. JAN.30.94. OCT.8.95. JULY 5.98.”. The top of the receiver is marked “14937“ with an ovalled “WP” proof. The left of the barrel is marked “7 x 57”
Barrel Length: 23″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a white beaded blade dovetailed to a serrated, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch elevator sight dovetailed to a base fixed to the rear of the barrel. The notch has a white diamond aiming reference, is fine-adjustable for elevation, and can be reversed to present a “U”-notch.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece walnut with schnabel forend tip, finger grooves on the sides of the forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb and checkered steel shotgun-style buttplate. There is a sling swivel in the belly and another mounted to the bottom of the barrel in front of the forend. The stock has a few scattered nicks and scratches. There is a short, thin crack below the takedown tab and another at the front edge of the magazine/trigger guard assembly. The LOP measures 13 7/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered erosion under the finish with well defined checkering. Overall, the stock is in Very Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished, the barrel is not original to the receiver.
Bore Condition: This bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its current metal finish. The new finish is generally strong throughout with the balance mostly in light operational wear. There is infrequent minor oxidation on the receiver. The receiver has scattered erosion under the finish. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine condition as customized.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a Hunter leather sling.
Our Assessment: This Model 1895 Lee Sporter receiver was made back in 1908 by Winchester Repeating Arms, one of about 15,000 that were made. Most were produced for the United States Navy and most commercial sales were of the same pattern as the Navy rifle, in fact some were Navy production rifles which had been rejected by Navy inspectors. There were comparatively few Sporter pattern rifles made, about 1,700.
This example has been customized with a new barrel chambered for 7x57mm Mauser. While this may bring a tear to the eye of some Winchester collectors, take solace in knowing that there were several Lee receivers that were never assembled into rifles by Winchester, so it’s possible that this isn’t a Sporter that was modified. In any case, it should be easier to find 7x57mm than .236 Navy! This is an interesting take on a classic Winchester rifle and should prove to be a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
